Albertons and the Vons Foundation have established an endowed scholarship with a gift of $10,500 to Cal State L.A. The scholarship, which is funded in perpetuity, honors the memory of Monique Rivera, a University student who passed away in April. She was 25.
Rivera, who was a psychology major, was also an employee at Albertsons in Alhambra. The scholarship will be available to Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions employees enrolled at Cal State L.A.
“Monique was a cherished member of our Albertsons-Vons family and determined in her pursuit of a higher education,” said Carlos Illingworth, director of Communications and Government Affairs for the Southern California grocery chain, who is a Cal State L.A. alumnus. “We are proud to honor her memory by providing ongoing financial support to employees that will follow in her path to the University.”
Rivera was active with the University’s Ethnic Studies Now Coalition. She was working to complete her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Pan African Studies.
Rivera’s mother, Rachel Rivera, accepted her daughter’s diploma on June 13 at the Cal State L.A. Commencement.
Rivera said she was grateful for the scholarship in honor of daughter and hoped that it would help students graduate. “Higher education is so important,” she said. “I hope these kids will take advantage of this opportunity.”
To find out more about the Monique Rivera Endowed Scholarship established by Albertsons and the Vons Foundation, call the University Advancement office at (323) 343-3060.
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07/01/15